Housing Attorney

Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services (“CPBLS”), a 501(c)(3) legal aid organization serving the civil legal needs of the low-income, is seeking a licensed attorney to support the Housing Justice Program.

Position Overview

The Housing Attorney supports CPBLS’ mission to prevent eviction and stabilize housing for low-income residents of Charleston County as part of the Housing team by providing direct legal representation, outreach, and systems-level collaboration. This role focuses on eviction defense and related housing instability matters and works closely with other members of the Housing team, community partners, and pro bono attorneys. The ideal candidate is a skilled, mission-driven attorney committed to housing justice and collaborative advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct Legal Services: Provide direct legal services for residents of Charleston County addressing civil legal issues that arise from housing instability for low-income households, especially in eviction cases. This includes legal screening, advice, brief service, full-scope representation, and pro bono assistance through legal clinics and referrals.
• Housing Court Representation: Support the Charleston County Housing Court Program by representing eligible tenants at Housing Court hearings at assigned courts throughout Charleston County.
• Community Outreach & Training: Strategize, plan, and conduct trainings and outreach to communities and community organizations to advance housing stability and affordability for low-income community members.
• Supervision & Mentorship: Mentor, train, and provide day-to-day guidance to law students, externs, volunteers, and Ackerman participants as a regular part of program operations.
• Collaboration & Reporting: Build and maintain key stakeholder relationships in furtherance of program and organizational objectives and contribute to required programmatic reporting and overall program evaluation.

Qualifications:

• J.D. from an ABA accredited law school;
• Law license to practice in South Carolina or pending S.C. bar admission;
• Completed Rule 403 certification, with prior courtroom experience, preferred;
• Commitment to social justice and housing stability for low-income communities;
• Excellent writing, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills;
• Strong oral advocacy and negotiation skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team;
• Experience with delivering training and presentations;
• Diverse economic, social, and cultural experiences and a second language are preferred;
• Law school clinic, externship, summer, or other relevant practice experience;
• Ability to effectively and efficiently advise and prepare clients for hearings, negotiate, and form arguments within a fast-paced court setting;
• An ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary setting to facilitate a coordinated community response and provide holistic services to clients;
• Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation.

Salary and Other Benefits: This is a full-time, salaried position with an annual salary range of $60,000–$65,000, commensurate with experience. Additional benefits are offered through Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services.

To Apply: Email a cover letter, resume, and references to Cody Tettemer at [email protected] and include “Housing Attorney” in the subject line.

Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

License/Certification:

• Law License in South Carolina (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Charleston, SC 29401: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person